Our Ambassadors

Here at Haven, we’re extremely grateful for the support of our four fantastic Ambassadors, who dedicate so much time and commitment to helping us raise awareness of our work in Haiti.

You can find out more about them here, as well as discovering some of the great work they do in supporting and promoting all that we do.

George Hook

It was a proud moment for me when Haven asked me to become its first Ambassador. When I signed up for the first Haven Build-It week, I never imagined the scope and depth of the work that would be done by the charity in the years since that small but enthusiastic effort. Today, Haven stands with the local people in ensuring that every project has a real meaning for their future. Nothing prepared me for what I saw on that first and subsequent visits, but, every time, I return enthused by the commitment of the Haven staff and the wonderful people of the island.

George Hook is an Irish broadcaster, journalist, author and rugby pundit. He enjoyed a career as a rugby union coach – coaching London Irish, Connacht and the United States national team – and as a businessman, before becoming a rugby pundit with RTÉ and presenter of drivetime show The Right Hook on Newstalk FM.

Clodagh McKenna

What I love so much about Haven is its commitment to helping the people of Haiti to rebuild their lives: it has the courage to think globally and act locally. The strength of character and determination of local Haitian people is remarkable, and they are seizing fantastic new opportunities and leaving poverty behind with Haven’s support. I’m delighted to be part of the Haven family and to see a bright future for the people of Haiti unfold.

Clodagh McKenna is an acclaimed chef, writer and television presenter, and has worked in food for over 16 years. She has a number of restaurants and is the author of a number of best-selling cookery books. A familiar face on TV in Ireland, Clodagh has appeared on TV in the UK, and recently made her US television debut with her hit TV series, Clodagh’s Irish Food Trails.

Paul O’Connell

Haiti has experienced intense hardship for generations, but, with the support of Haven, its people are rewriting their futures. Haven’s projects open access to education and employment, promote good health, bring clean water to communities, and provide safe places to call home to thousands of families. This is something I am humbled to be a part of, and I would urge everyone to get involved: by giving a small amount of time or donating whatever you can, you really can change people’s lives forever.

Paul O’Connell is a former Captain of the Irish rugby team, winning 108 caps for Ireland, and is recognised as one of the best second rows in world rugby. Nominated for the IRB World Player of the Year in 2006, the Limerick man also captained Munster and the British and Irish Lions during his career, before retiring from rugby in February 2016 after helping his teams to unprecedented successes over the past 15 years.

Tomás O’Leary

I’m always struck by how Haiti, a country roughly just the same size as Munster, has endured so much adversity. Every day though, Haven is helping people to overcome those challenging circumstances and to change their realities forever, and it’s great to be part of that story.

Tomás O’Leary plays scrum-half for Munster Rugby. A member of the Irish Under 21 side which reached the 2004 Under 21 Rugby World Cup, Tomás joined Munster Rugby in 2005, making his debut in October that year. He played a leading role in their Heineken Cup winning campaigns of the 2005/06 and 2007/08 seasons, before moving to London Irish for the start of the 2012/13 season. He returned to Munster Rugby in 2015. Tomás has also played for the Irish team.